Pulsed light communication key

ABSTRACT

A Universal Serial Bus (USB) key may include an optical transceiver having a USB interface for engagement to an electronic device such as a laptop computer or other USB-configured device. The USB key may include a converter or buffering, isolation, modulation or amplification circuitry. The USB key sends and receives data signals which may be carried upon an optical transmission as generated by an LED light source which in turn is in communication with a host device such as a network processor. The USB key may also include operational amplifiers (op-amps) and transistor amplifiers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No.61/778,672, filed Mar. 13, 2013, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference. This application is also aContinuation-in-Part to Ser. No. 12/126,227, filed May 23, 2008 whichclaims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/931,611, filed May 24,2007, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein byreference. This application also claims the benefit of ProvisionalApplication No. 61/867,731, filed Aug. 20, 2013, the disclosure of whichis expressly incorporated herein by reference. This application alsoclaims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/927,663, filed Jan.15, 2014, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein byreference. This application also claims the benefit of ProvisionalApplication No. 61/927,638, filed Jan. 15, 2014, the disclosure of whichis expressly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention is generally directed tolight emitting diodes (LEDs) and applications thereof. In particular,some embodiments of the present invention are directed to using LEDs andLED interface devices in conjunction with power line communicationtechnology to provide internet access and communication capability toresidential and commercial clientele.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Present communication techniques using wireless communication includingradiofrequency transmissions (RF) raise security concerns becausetransmissions using RF can be easily intercepted, in part because of thefact that RF signals are designed to radiate signals in all directions.Second, radiofrequency transmissions may be regulated by the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) which may control the frequencies thatmay be used for RF transmission. Third, RF by its very nature issusceptible to interference and produces noise.

In contrast to RF communications, light sources used for communicationare extremely secure due to the fact that they are focused within anarrow beam, requiring the placement of equipment within the beam itselffor interception. Also, because the visible spectrum is not regulated bythe FCC, light sources can be used for communications purposes withoutthe need of a license. Light sources are also not susceptible tointerference nor do they produce noise that can interfere with otherdevices.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be used as light sources to providedata transmission, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,879,263 and7,046,160, the entire contents of each being expressly incorporatedherein by reference. LEDs have a quick response to “ON” and “OFF”signals, as compared to the longer warm-up and response times associatedwith fluorescent lighting, for example. LEDs are efficient in theproduction of light, as measured in lumens per watt. Recent developmentsin LED technology, such as high brightness blue LEDs, have paved the wayfor white LEDs, which have made LEDs a practical alternative toconventional light sources. As such, LED technology provides a practicalopportunity to combine lighting and communication and information/datatransmission. This combination of lighting, communication and datatransmission allows ubiquitous light sources such as street lights, homelighting, and office building lighting, for example, to be converted to,or supplemented with, LED technology to provide for communications anddta transfer while simultaneously producing light for illuminationpurposes.

In addition to use as general lighting, LEDs can be used in networkingapplications. In any network, a variety of client devices willcommunicate with one or more host devices. The host may provideconnection to a Local Area Network (LAN), sometimes referred to as anIntranet, owing to the common use of such a network entirely within anoffice space, building, or business. The host may additionally oralternatively provide connection to a Wide Area Network (WAN), commonlydescribing a network coupling widely separated physical locations whichare connected together through any suitable connection, including forexemplary purposes but not solely limited thereto such means as fiberoptic links, T1 lines, Radio Frequency (RF) links including cellulartelecommunications links, satellite connections, DSL connections, oreven Internet connections. Generally, where more public means such asthe Internet are used, secured access will commonly separate the WANfrom general Internet traffic. The host may further provide access tothe Internet.

A variety of client devices have heretofore been enabled to connect tohost devices. Such client devices may commonly include computing devicesof all sorts, ranging from hand-held devices such as Personal DigitalAssistants (PDAs) to massive mainframe computers, and including PersonalComputers (PCs). However, over time many more devices have been enabledfor connection to network hosts, including for exemplary purposesprinters, network storage devices, cameras, other security and safetydevices, appliances, HVAC systems, manufacturing machinery, and soforth. Essentially, any device which incorporates or can be made toincorporate sufficient electronic circuitry may be so linked as a clientto a host.

Existing client devices are designed to connect to host network accesspoints through wired connections, like copper wire, for example, fiberoptic connections, or as wireless connections, such as wireless routers.In the case of a wired system, whether through simple wire, twistedwire, co-axial cable, fiber optics or other line or link, the host andclient are tethered together through this physical communicationschannel. The tether, as may be appreciated, limits movement of theclient relative to the host, is often unsightly and hard to contain in aworkspace. In addition, electrical connectors such as jacks must beprovided, and these connectors necessarily limit the number of accesspoints and locations.

In contrast, in the case of wireless routers, an RF signal replaces thephysical communications channel with a radio channel. Thisadvantageously eliminates the wire or fiber tether between client andhost. Instead, client devices in a wireless system try through variousbroadcasts and signal receptions to find an access point that will haveadequate transmission and reception, generally within a certain signalrange which may range from a few meters to as many as several tens ofmeters. The systems are programmed to bridge from a host access point tovarious client devices through known exchanges of information, commonlydescribed as communications protocols or handshakes. Depending upon thecommunications channel, a variety of client connection devices may beutilized such as PCMCIA or PC cards, serial ports, parallel ports, SIMMcards, USB connectors, Ethernet cards or connectors, firewireinterfaces, Bluetooth compatible devices, infrared/IrDA devices, andother known or similar components.

The security of these prior art wireless devices may be compromised inthat they are vulnerable to unauthorized access or interception, and theinterception may be from a significant distance, extending often wellbeyond physical building and property boundaries.

The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitutean admission that any patent, publication or other information referredto herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention. In addition,this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been madeor that no other pertinent information as defined in 37C.F.R. §1.56(a)exists.

All U.S. patents and applications and all other published documentsmentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention, a brief summary of some ofthe claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additionaldetails of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additionalembodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description ofthe Invention below. A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in thespecification is provided for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R.§1.72.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, there is provided a light emitting diode (LED)signal light and systematic information transfer through encryptedpulsed light communication and data transfer system which may bedepicted in several embodiments. In general, the signal light and pulsedlight communication system may be formed of a single row, single source,or an array of light emitting diode light sources configured on a lightsupport and in electrical communication with a controller and a powersupply, battery, or other electrical source. The signal light and pulsedlight communication system may provide various light signals, coloredlight signals, or combination or patterns of light signals for use inassociation with the communication of data or information. These lightsignals may also be encoded. The signal light and pulsed lightcommunication system may be easily transportable and may be convenientlyconnected to a device or structure for electrical coupling to a powersupply, battery, or other electrical source as a remote stand-alonesignaling or communication device.

Individual light supports as a portion of the communication system maybe positioned adjacent to, and/or be in electrical communication withanother light support, through the use of suitable electricalconnections. Alternatively, individual light supports may be incommunication with each other exclusively through the transmission andreceipt of pulsed light signals.

A plurality of light supports or solitary light sources may beelectrically coupled in either a parallel or series manner to acontroller. The controller is also preferably in electricalcommunication with the power supply and the LED's, to regulate ormodulate the light intensity for the LED light sources. The individualLED's and/or arrays of LED's may be used for transmission of data orcommunication packets formed of light signals.

The controller for the LED light support may generate and/or recognizepulsed light signals used to communicate information or data. The LEDlight system may also include a receptor coupled to the controller,where the receptor is constructed and arranged for receipt of pulsed LEDlight signals for conversion to digital information, and for transfer ofthe digital information to the controller for analysis andinterpretation. The controller may then issue a light signal or othercommunication signal to an individual to communicate the content ofreceived information transmitted via a pulsed LED light carrier.

In one embodiment of the invention, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongleor key or similar device may be plugged into a laptop computer or otherUSB-configured electronic device. The dongle, key or similar device,allows hardware like laptop computers, printers, or other electronicdevices that were not originally designed with a server opticaltransceiver (XCVR) to be easily retrofitted to permit opticalcommunications through transmission and reception of pulsed lightsignals, as generated by the LED's.

The USB dongle or key may be small, and may plug into diverse clientdevices for the purpose of providing data access and communicationwithout mechanically interfering with the placement or use of the clientdevice. The USB dongle or key sends and receives data signals which maybe carried upon an optical transmission. The data signals may originatefrom and/or are received by a host device through one or morephotodetectors.

The USB dongle or key may include a conversion device, or softwareperforming a conversion function, for placement of a received orgenerated data signal into a desired format. In addition, the USB dongleor key may include appropriate buffering, isolation, modulation oramplification circuitry which will provide appropriate voltage and powerthrough drive signals to adequately drive the LED(s) for production of adata-bearing visible light transmission. Exemplary of common transmitcircuitry are operational amplifiers (op-amps) and transistoramplifiers.

The USB dongle or key device will preferably include reception circuitryfor receiving data from a data-bearing visible light wave input signal.The data-bearing visible light wave may be detected by one or more lightsensors and converted to a data-bearing electrical signal for processingwithin a USB-user configured device.

The USB dongle or key is preferably in communication with a host lampfixture system which is in communication with a host processor. The hostlamp fixture replaces conventional stationary (mounted in a particularplace) lighting fixtures to provide optical communication between thehost and the user device through the USB dongle or key. The host lampfixture is preferably constructed and arranged to communicate datathrough pulsed light transmissions.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a parthereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, itsadvantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference should be madeto the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and describedembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is isometric view of an embodiment for an LED USB Dongle device.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of an LED USB Dongle device.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of an LED USB Dongle device.

FIG. 4 is an end view of an embodiment of an LED USB Dongle device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System for an LED USB Dongle device.

FIG. 6 is an alternative isometric view of one embodiment of an LED USBDongle or device.

FIG. 7 is an alternative isometric view of one embodiment of an LED USBDongle or device.

FIG. 8 is an alternative isometric exploded view of one embodiment of anLED USB Dongle or device.

FIG. 9 is an alternative isometric view of one embodiment of an LED USBDongle or device.

FIG. 10 is an alternative isometric view of one embodiment of an LED USBDongle or device as engaged to one embodiment of an electronic computingdevice.

FIG. 11 is a system level block diagram of one alternative embodiment ofthe operation of an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 12 is an alternative top view of one embodiment of a circuit boardas used in an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 13 is an alternative isometric view of one embodiment of a layoutof one layer circuit board as used in an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 14 is an alternative top view of one embodiment of a layout of onelayer of a circuit board as used in an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 15 is an alternative top view of one embodiment of a layout of onelayer of a circuit board as used in an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 16 is an alternative top view of one embodiment of a layout of onelayer of a circuit board as used in an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 17 is an alternative top view of one embodiment of a layout of onelayer of a circuit board as used in an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 18 is an alternative top view of one embodiment of a layout of onelayer of a circuit board as used in an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 19 is an alternative top view of one embodiment of a layout of onelayer of a circuit board as used in an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 20A is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 20B is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 20C is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 20D is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 20E is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 21 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 22 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 23 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 24 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 25 is a partial electrical schematic diagram of one alternativeembodiment of an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 26 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 27A is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 27B is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 27C is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED USB Dongle or Key device.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of one alternative embodiment of an LED USBDongle or Key device.

FIG. 29 is a detail partial cut away isometric view of one alternativeembodiment of an LED USB Dongle or Key device depicted in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a detail partial cut away isometric view of one alternativeembodiment of an LED USB Dongle or Key device as depicted in FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a detail partial cut away isometric view of one alternativeembodiment of an LED USB Dongle or Key device as depicted in FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is a detail isometric view of a receiver unit of one alternativeembodiment of an LED USB Dongle or Key device depicted in FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there aredescribed in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of theinvention. This description is an exemplification of the principles ofthe invention and is not intended to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments illustrated. For the purposes of this disclosure,like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like featuresunless otherwise indicated.

In one of the embodiments disclosed herein, the controller may regulateand/or modulate the duty cycle for the LED light sources, therebyvarying the intensity of the observed light. The controller may beutilized to simultaneously provide modulated or variable light intensityto different and/or independent sections, areas, and/or sectors of alight source or an LED server optical transceiver light fixture.

In one embodiment a server personal computer or other computing orelectronic device may be connected via a USB cable to a server opticaltransceiver (XCVR), and a client personal computer or other computing orelectronic device may be connected via a USB cable or port to a clientoptical transceiver. The server personal computer or other computing orelectronic device may be in communication with a network via a CAT-5cable, for example. The server optical XCVR and the client optical XCVRare substantially similar in at least one embodiment. An exemplaryoptical XCVR (or, simply, “XCVR”) circuit includes one or more lightemitting diodes (LEDs) for transmission of light and one or morephotodetectors for receiving transmitted light. The term “photodetector”includes “photodiodes” and all other devices capable of converting lightinto current or voltage. The terms photodetector and photodiode are usedinterchangeably hereafter. The use of the term photodiode is notintended to restrict embodiments of the invention from using alternativephotodetectors that are not specifically mentioned herein.

In at least one embodiment, the XCVR circuit may include an RS232 to USBconversion module. The transmit pin on the USB conversion module drivesthe driver electronics for the LEDs. In some embodiments, the XCVRcircuit includes high intensity LEDs. In some embodiments it may bedesirable to use high intensity LEDs to enhance lighting, to improvedata transmission, or both. In at least one embodiment, a 12 volt DC, 3amp power supply is sufficient for powering an array of high intensityLEDs.

In some embodiments, the XCVR circuit further includes an amplifier foramplifying the optical signal received by the photodiode. The output ofthe amplifier may be fed into level shifting circuitry to raise thesignal to TTL levels, for example. The signal is then fed into thereceive pin of the RS232 to USB module.

In some embodiments, a 9V battery can be used to power the amplifiercircuitry. Significant noise is generated by switching high brightnessLEDs on and off at 200 mA and 500 kbps, for example. Powering theamplifier with a battery can reduce these noise problems by reducing orremoving transients.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the LED can both emit andreceive light. In such an embodiment, the LED can act both as atransmitter or receiver. More information on such bi-directional LEDscan be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,072,587, the entire contents of whichare expressly incorporated herein by reference.

The XCVR circuit may be incorporated into a Universal Serial Bus (USB)dongle or key device, such as shown in FIGS. 1-9, or similar device thatis plugged into a laptop computer or other USB-configured electronicdevice. The dongle or key, or similar device, allows hardware likeprinters, etc. that were not originally designed with an optical XCVR tobe easily retrofitted to permit optical communications. As seen in FIGS.1-9, USB dongle or key 1000, includes a USB plug 1020 which is in thepreferred embodiment most desirably compatible with standard USBconnectors found on many electronic devices. USB connectors are found onnearly all recently manufactured printers, PCs, flash drives, portablemedia players such as MP-3 and video players, and a plethora of otherelectronic devices. While USB plug 1020 is preferred, owing to the wideavailability of USB-enabled client devices, it is contemplated hereinthat the physical and electrical interface may comprise other standardsor alternative constructions. As but one example, an IEEE-1394(Firewire) interface may be provided alternatively or in addition to USBplug 1020. USB dongle or key 1000 is in the most preferred embodimentphysically small, such that it may plug into diverse client devices forthe purpose of providing data access and communication withoutmechanically interfering with the placement or use of the client device.

Instead of relying on radio frequencies, USB dongle or key 1000communicates through a visible light embedded communications channel orsystem (VLEC). Data signals carried upon an optical embedded lighttransmission are received from a host through photodetector 1040. Datasignals are transmitted to the host by LED 1060. Most preferably,photodetector 1040 and LED 1060 are isolated by a visible barrier, whichmay be a simple protrusion 1080. Recesses and other optical barriers arefurther contemplated herein to serve as isolation from emitter-receiverfeedback.

USB dongle or key 1000 is enabled to electrically connect to anyclient's electronic device that accepts USB plug 1020, or otherconnector substituted or provided in addition thereto. FIG. 5illustrates through a schematic block diagram an exemplary electricaldesign of a USB dongle or key. To be recognized by the client device,the USB dongle or key will have to obey the electrical andcommunications specifications for the particular connection type.Consequently, in the preferred embodiment, the USB dongle or key willcomply with both physical and electrical USB specifications through asuitable connection apparatus 1120, allowing connection to a USB host.

The USB-compliant signal 1130 is not, in the preferred embodiment, thepreferred signal format for optical embedded light transmission orreception. Consequently, transmission of USB-compliant signals 1130 willrequire conversion through conversion apparatus 1140 to suitable opticallight embedded transmission format required at transmit signal 1200. Forexemplary purposes, if the USB specification uses a differentialsignaling method using two wires for data, it may be desirable toconvert USB-compliant signal 1130 to a different signaling standard,such as a single-ended signaling scheme like the well-known RS-232standard, which uses a single line for data. Conversion apparatus 1140will, in accord with the preferred embodiment, be configured to providethe selected electrical conversion. Transmit circuitry 1210 may, in thepreferred embodiment, simply be appropriate buffering, isolation,modulation or amplification circuitry which will provide appropriatevoltage and power through drive signal 1220 to adequately drive LED 1230into producing a data-bearing visible light embedded transmission 1240.Exemplary of common transmit circuitry are operational amplifiers(op-amps) and transistor amplifiers, though those skilled in the art ofsignal conditioning will recognize a plethora of optional circuits andcomponents which might optionally be used in conjunction with thepresent invention. In one conceived embodiment, the data-bearing visiblelight transmission 1240 may further be modulated, using FM, AM, PWM,PPM, OFDM, QAM or other known modulation techniques.

Similar to the transmission circuitry, USB dongle or key 1000 alsoincorporates reception circuitry for receiving data from a data-bearingvisible light wave input signal 1160. Data-bearing visible light wavesignal 1160 will be detected by light sensor 1170 and converted to adata-bearing electrical signal 1180. Receive circuitry 1190 willappropriately condition, and may further convert data-bearing electricalsignal 1180. As but one example of such conversion, receive circuitry1190 may additionally demodulate data-bearing electrical signal 1180, ifthe data stream has been modulated by an optical host, and suitablebuffering, amplification and other conditioning may be provided to yielda received data signal 1150. Conversion apparatus 1140 will convertreceived signal 1150 to a USB-compliant signal 1130.

The preferred embodiment USB dongle or key 1000 uses visible light asthe communications channel between client and host, which offersadvantage in security, reliability, system testing and configuration,bandwidth, infrastructure, and in other ways. Security is greatlyincreased because light does not go through walls, in contrast to radiocommunications, and steps can be taken to obstruct visible transmissionswith a much greater certainty than with high frequency radio waves.Furthermore, the visible light may additionally be limited or directedby known optical components such as lenses and reflectors to selectivelyform beams, as opposed to omni-directional transmissions.

The visible optical link does not interfere with existing communicationsystems like those that are common today. Consequently, the preferredembodiment may be used in a variety of applications where prior artsystems were simply unable to function due to EMI/RFI considerations.

Set-up, testing, troubleshooting and the like are also vastlysimplified. When the visible light embedded communication system isworking, the user can actually see the illumination. If an objectinterferes with light transmission, the user will again immediatelyrecognize the same. Thus, the ease and convenience of this visible lightembedded communication system adds up to greater mobility and less cost.In addition, relatively high energy outputs may be provided wheredesired using the preferred visible light embedded communicationschannel. In contrast, many invisible transmission techniques such asUltraviolet (UV) or Infra-Red (IR) systems have much potential for harmto the eyes of an individual.

A host lamp fixture system replaces stationary (mounted in a particularplace) lighting fixtures in order to communicate data. Inside of LEDlights there may be one or many dies; these may pulsate on slightlydifferent frequencies from a single light to communicate. Each may belooking for changes by way of Multiple Channel Access or other suitabletechnique.

When a client (such as a laptop) asks for channels, the host tells wherethe channels can be located. LED lights in a ceiling, for example, willcommunicate with any capable transceiver. One suitable method uses BPL(Broadband over Power Lines) for network connection, taking data andembedding it into a carrier frequency or group like radio, but insteadusing power lines or wave guides for transmission throughout an existingset of power lines within a building. Thus, a building needs to be wiredonly for lights, saving a huge infrastructure of other wires andfixtures, and saving a great deal of money.

In at least one embodiment, the optical XCVRs, or circuitry attachedthereto, include modulation circuitry for modulating a carrier signalwith the optical signal. Modulation may be used to eliminate biasconditions caused by sunlight or other interfering light sources.Digital modulation may be accomplished by using phase-shift keying,amplitude-shift keying, frequency-shift keying, quadrature modulation,or any other digital modulation technique known by those of ordinaryskill. Similarly, such XCVRs can include demodulation circuitry thatextracts the data from the received embedded light signal. Somemodulation and demodulation techniques for modulating light signals aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,732,310, 5,245,681, and 6,137,613, theentire contents of each being expressly incorporated herein byreference.

It may be desirable in some embodiments to further include filters orfilter circuitry to prevent unwanted light from being amplified. Forexample, the optical baseband signal can be modulated at 100 kHz andthen transmitted. The XCVR that receives the 100 kHz modulated signalcan include a filter stage centered at 100 kHz. The filtered 100 kHzsignal can then be input into the amplifier circuitry, therebypreventing amplification of unwanted signals. In some embodiments, itmay be desirable to amplify the transmitted signal first, and thenfilter out the baseband signal.

Additional information regarding data communication can be found inInternational Publication Number WO 99/49435, the entire contents ofwhich are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment of the present invention a user device equipped with aUSB dongle or key may be in communication with a system incorporatingthe use of broadband over power line (BOPL) communications system.Techniques for transmitting data signals over power lines can be foundin U.S. Pat. No. 7,349,325, the entire disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, an LED optical XCVR light fixture provides lightingfor one or more rooms on a customer premises. In operative communicationwith the LED optical XCVR is a power line bridge that demodulates thesignal from the electrical power that supplies power to AC/DC converterthat supplies power to the LED array of the XCVR. The power line bridgesends the demodulated signal to the LED optical XCVR for transmission.The USB dongle or key in turn is in optical communication with the XCVRenabling communication from a host through the Broadband over power linenetwork, then through the power bridge, and finally optically from theXCVR to a user device.

It may be desirable, however, to modulate the light signal prior totransmission to reduce the effects of external lighting. Such anembodiment may be desirable because each room at a customer premise canbe either be designed for or retrofitted with LED optical XCVRs in theceiling, for example, for lighting. As such, the main light source inthe room doubles as an optical link for electronic equipment. Becausethe LED optical XCVRs are located in the ceiling, there are few itemsthat can block the light signal.

Injecting the signal onto the electrical wiring and providing an opticallink through LED lighting is advantageous over wireless DSL modems.Often times, metal shelving or other structures on the premisesinterfere with or even block RF signals, thereby requiring multipleaccess points. However, providing an optical link through LED lightingin each room, for example, inherently provides multiple access points.

In some embodiments, a variety of physical and electrical configurationsare contemplated herein for LED XCVR light fixture. The LED XCVR lightfixture may replace a standard fluorescent tube light fixture. This canbe accomplished by replacing the entire fixture such that ballasts andother devices specific to fluorescent lighting are replaced. In manycases, this will be the preferred approach. The fixture may then bewired for any suitable or desired voltage, and where a voltage orcurrent different from standard line voltage is used, transformers orpower converters or power supplies may be provided. When a building iseither initially being constructed, or so thoroughly remodeled toprovide adequate replacement of wires, the voltage may be generated intransformers that may even be provided outside of the occupied space,such as on the roof, in a utility room, basement or attic. In additionto other benefits, placement in these locations will further reducerequirements for air conditioning.

As efficiencies of light generation by LEDs surpass fluorescent tubes,such entire replacement is more economical. However, total replacementof such fixtures is not the only means contemplated herein. Any lesserdegree of replacement is also considered in alternative embodiments. Forexemplary purposes, the physical reflectors commonly associated withfluorescent fixtures may be preserved, and the fixture simply rewired tobypass any ballasts or starter circuitry that might be present. In thiscase, line voltage, such as 120VAC at 60 Hertz in the United States, maypass through the electrical connector pins.

Where other types of fixtures already exist, such as standardincandescent Edison screw bases, LED bulbs may similarly accommodate thefixture. For incandescent replacement, no rewiring or removal ofballasts is required, since line voltage is applied directly toincandescent fixtures. Consequently, appropriate conversion may in oneconceived alternative embodiment simply involve the replacement of abulb with no fixture or wiring alterations.

In accord with one alternative method of the invention, LEDs are used totransmit through optical communication channel several kinds of data,including identity, location, audio and video information. The use of anoptical communications link provides large available bandwidth, which inturn permits multiple feeds of personal communication between LED lightsources and devices utilizing a USB dongle or key communicationinterface which may be similar to or in excess of that of cell phones.The optical data is transferred at rates far in excess of thosedetectable by the human eye, and so a person is not able to detect anyvisible changes as the data is being transferred. Additionally, becauseoptical illumination is constrained by opaque objects such as walls, thelocation of a user device having a USB dongle or key can be discerned toa particular room, hallway or other similar space.

Within the disclosure provided herein, the term “processor” refers to aprocessor, controller, microprocessor, microcontroller, mainframecomputer or server, or any other device that can execute instructions,perform arithmetic and logic functions, access and write to memory,interface with peripheral devices, etc. As described herein each,optical XCVR may also include non-volatile memory (FLASHRAM, EEPROM, andEPROM, for example) that may store firmware for the optical XCVR, aswell as text information, audio signals, video signals, contactinformation for other users, etc., as is common with current cellphones.

In some embodiments, an optical signal amplifier is in communicationwith the photodiodes to increase the signal strength of the receivedlight signals. In at least one embodiment, the LEDs are in operativecommunication with an LED power driver, ensuring a constant currentsource for the LEDs.

Another embodiment of the present invention incorporates GlobalPositioning and/or Routing System (GPSrS) information into the datapacket to be sent. The Global Positioning and/or Routing System isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,463, the entire contents of which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference. Global Positioning System(GPS) positioning uses one or more coordinate systems, such as WorldGeodetic System 1984 (WGS84), to provide a reference frame, allowingevery point on earth to be coded with a unique GPS location.

A data packet may include GPS location header bits that include thepacket's destination address in GPS coordinates. The data packet mayfurther include GPS location trailer bits that include the packet'sorigin address in GPS coordinates. The data packet may further includethe address in GPS coordinates of the server optical transceiver (XCVR)that most recently transmitted the packet (the last known transmissionaddress, or LTA), as will be described in more detail below. The datapacket further includes the data to be transmitted, and may include anyother bits of information determined to be necessary for successfultransmission of data, such as error detection bits, as understood by aperson of ordinary skill in the art.

Routing data packets from one location to another location may beaccomplished using GPS location information tags data packets havingeither a geographic location or a cyber location. Such an embodimenteliminates the need for any later geographic location translationbecause a data packet starts with geographic source and destinationinformation. This simplifies locating the destination of the datapacket.

In some embodiments, each data packet is assigned a GPSorigin/destination address as it passes through the networkinfrastructure. The data packet is always searching for the next closestGPS address location. Each stationary (or static) optical XCVR, and somedynamic optical XCVRs, within a network may be designated with a GPSlocation number. As a data packet passes through the network, it isrouted by the optical XCVRs, with their internal processors, to the nextphysically closer optical XCVR within the network. If another opticalXCVR is within receiving range, or is connected with another form ofcommunication medium, that optical XCVR receives the data packet. Theoptical XCVR's internal processor compares its internal GPS locationaddress (ILA) to the data packet's GPS destination address and theoptical XCVR's last known transmission address (LTA) stored within thedata packet. If the ILA code is closer to the data packet destinationaddress then the LTA code is stored within the data packet, the opticalXCVR's processor inserts its ILA code into the data packet as the newLTA code and then repeats transmission of the entire data packet withthe updated LTA code.

The network continues this process until the data packet reaches thedestination optical XCVR, at which point the data packet is transmittedto a client device. If a piece of the infrastructure is missing, thepacket will be rerouted to the next nearest optical XCVR and continueuntil it finds the shortest pathway through the network to thedestination address.

This means that each user on the network may declare one or more staticpositions and also have a dynamic position. A static address may be ahome, an office, etc. When a user leaves their static address locationto move through the network infrastructure, the user then becomesdynamic. The network may track the user as the user passes opticalXCVRs, similar to that of cell phones in relation to cell phone towers,and provide a dynamic address location. If a data packet begins with adestination address that is the user's static address, the network mayupdate the packet with the user's new dynamic address and reroute thepacket accordingly, in a scheme similar to that of cellular phones.

In some embodiments, the quantity of a communication or datatransmission portion of a visible light embedded communication may berendered as a Data Lumen hour (DLh). The visible light embeddedcommunication may be utilized by establishing a Visible Light Link (VLLor VL) using an external electronic adjunct apparatus or an incorporatedelectronic capability within an electronic data computing device, whichin turn is enabled and operated within specified proximity to a DLh lampfixture. In some embodiments, the electronic apparatus and capability isknown and offered as a Dongle or Key or the device is “Keyed”. As theKEY or Keyed device accesses DLh enabled lamps, the use of the KEY isbilled as a service to its user in units of Data-Lumen-minutes (DLm). Insome embodiments, each used or consumed minute or fraction thereof isassigned a monetary value.

In some embodiments, the KEY is a small transceiver that providescommunication between a computing device and an LED XCVR light or lightfixture. The computing device may access the Internet or other networksthrough the pulsed light, communication, and information/datatransmission system network. In some embodiments, Keys interface withcomputers through USB ports and/or cables.

Keys currently allow a computer to access the pulsed light,communication and information/data transmission system network and theInternet through an LED XCVR light. In at least one embodiment, thepulsed light, communication, and information/data transmission system isintegrated into cell phones and other communication devices.

In some embodiments, the pulsed light, communication andinformation/data transmission system provides wireless communicationwhich delivers higher data transfer speeds and greater security thanWi-Fi technologies. The pulsed light communication and information/datatransmission system may also safely be used in places where Wi-Fitransmissions are potentially harmful or limited, such as in hospitalsor on airplanes.

In some embodiments, the LED's of the pulsed light communication andinformation/data transmission system may be connected to a computernetwork with Cat5 or fiber optic cables, or through existing electricalwiring (similar to Broadband over Power Line, BPL). By utilizingexisting electrical wiring, as much of the network wiring complicationsinherent in expanding communication infrastructure throughout acustomer's facility may be avoided.

In some embodiments, the pulsed light communication and information datatransmission system may enhance the capacity and security of wirelessInternet, mobile broadband applications, Voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP), and many other data communication services. For example, theexpansion of the pulsed light communication and information/datatransmission system may allow data traffic on mobile networks to beoffloaded onto fixed pulsed light communication and information/datatransmission system networks, thereby relieving pressure from increasingmobile data applications.

In some embodiments, electrical power for pulsed light communication andinformation/data transmissions through a KEY may be provided through theUSB port eliminating separate power connection to a wall outlet.

In some embodiments, the circuit boards for the KEY as identified inFIGS. 12-19 improve KEY performance and reduce thermal impact. In someembodiments, the circuit boards for the KEY as identified in FIGS. 12-19provide data throughput of approximately 3 Mbps, with actual throughputafter routing approximately at least 2.4 Mbps. Initially data wastransferred to the computer for later transfer through the KEY usingstandard Ethernet cables.

In other embodiments, functions such as microphones and speakers may beregulated as well as cellular telephones if equipped with a pulsed lightcommunication interface such as a dongle or key device. In someembodiments, a dongle or key device will also include supplementaldevices such as cameras, microphones, and speakers and the like.

In some embodiments, the dongle or key device is the communicationtransceiver connected to the client side of the communication link inthe LED pulsed light communication and information/data transmissionsystem. The other end of the communication link is referred to here asthe Host. The dongle or key device consists of three basic circuitcomponents: the transmitter (TX), receiver (RX), main board (main). Thethree boards listed combine to form the electronic control component forthe Client-Key for access to the LED pulsed light communication andinformation/data transmission. In some embodiments, the key plugs intoand is powered by the USB port on a client computer or other electronicdevice. The client computer or other electronic device is configured touse the USB port as the communication port for the optical link.

The transmitter board consists of a power system, a signal interface forthe main board, an LED, and the associated LED drive circuitry. Thetransmitter board accepts communication signals from the main board anddrives the LED's as needed to provide the optical link with the requiredsignaling.

The receiver board consists of a power system, a photodetector, a signalinterface for the main board, a transimpedance amplifier (TIA), anddiscrimination circuitry. The receiver board receives the optical signalfrom the Host transmitter and converts it to a voltage signal usable bythe main board.

The main board consists of a power system, an Field Programmable GateArray (FPGA) system, signal interfaces for the receiver and transmitterboards, and a USB interface. The main board accepts the receiver signalthat is routed to the onboard FPGA after signal conditioning. The FPGAdecodes and reconfigures the serial received data to be sent across astandard network or MIL interface to the USB interface circuitry. Inaddition, the FPGA reconfigures the data from the USB interface toproduce a serial data stream to be sent to the transmitter board fortransmission across the optical link after signal conditioning.Currently the pre-production optical data link uses an on-off keying(OOK) signal structure with 8b/10b encoding for communication andluminous flux consistency.

In some embodiments, the Visual Light Modem for a dongle or key utilizesa Xilinx Spartan 3E Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) at its core forprocessing Ethernet packet data into visible light communications. TheFPGA is user configurable and easily programmed using a hardwaredescription language (HDL). In some embodiments, a combination ofVerilog and VHDL are used for programming. The FPGA configuration insome embodiments may be stored in flash memory and is written to theFPGA at every power cycle. Multiple hardware circuit interfaces connectto the 1/0 of the FPGA to provide the VLM functionality. Details of thiscircuitry can be found in the electrical schematics provided herein inFIGS. 20 through 27.

In some embodiments, the major functional components of the Visual LightModem (VLM) for the dongle or key device are described in the blockdiagram of FIG. 11.

In some embodiments, the physical pin-out will connect with the otherVLM circuitry on the printed circuit board for the FPGA 54. Pindescriptions are detailed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Signal Name Direction Description reset input allows externalinput reset the system ifclk input system oscillator signal (50 Mhz)mii_rx_dv input Ethernet rx PHY enabled mii_rx_er input Ethernet rx PHYerror mii_rx_clk input Ethernet rx PHY clock mii_tx_clk input Ethernettx PHY clock e_col input un used demod_bit_in input recovered lightsignal from receiver circuit sci input 12C clock spi_miso input SPImaster in slave out rx_clk output Ethernet statistics clock- unusedrx_statistics_vector output Ethernet statistics- unusedrx_statistics_valid output Ethernet statistics- unused tx_clk outputEthernet statistics clock- unused tx_statistics_vector output Ethernetstatistics- unused tx_statistics_valid output Ethernet statistics-unused n_rst output Ethernet PHY reset mii_tx_en output Ethernet tx PHYenable mod_bit_out output modulated LED output signal LEFX_RED outputmodulated LED output signal LEFX_GREEN output modulated LED outputsignal LEFX_BLUE output modulated LED output signal led1_link outputreceiver sync status led2_act output data transfer status led1_1ink_thoutput receiver sync status for thru hole LED led2_act_th output datatransfer status for thru hole LED led3_hb output FPGA heartbeat mdcoutput Ethernet management data input/output clock spi_mosi output SPImaster out slave in spi_sck output SPI clock spi_cso_b output SPI enabletest_pin_1 output test pin out 1 test_pin_2 output test pin out 2mii_txd (3:0) output Ethernet tx data interface bus mdio inout Ethernetmanagement data input/output sda inout 12C data transfer mii_rxd (3:0)inout Ethernet rx data interface bus

In some embodiments, the Xilinx Tri-Mode Ethernet media accesscontroller (MAC) 56 allows the visual light modem to have an Ethernetcommunications port 58. The MAC core 56 is connected to a PHY devicesuch as the Asix USB to fast Ethernet controller via the Mil interface62. The client side is connected to a Xilinx local link FIFO 64 whichconnects to the VLM interface 66.

In some embodiments, the Visible Light Modulator block will accept rawEthernet packet data from the Local Link FIFO 64. The Local Link willtransfer data to the modulator with a width of 8 bits and indicatestart-of-frame (SOF) and end-of-frame (EOF) data bytes. The VLMmodulator will use this information to keep packets intact as it sendsdata. Below is an example of the Modulator's packet structure and adescription of each field:

IDLEO IDLE1 SOFO SOPO Ethernet EOPO EOP1 EOFO Packet Data

-   -   IDLEO/IDLE1—Used to keep a synchronized clock reference with the        De-Modulator    -   SOFO—Start-of-frame—indicates that the modulator is receiving        the start of an Ethernet frame from the Local Link FIFO    -   SOPO—Start-of-pack t—indicates the first byte of data from the        Ethernet packet    -   Ethernet Packet DATA—the remaining Ethernet packet not including        the first byte. Could be from 63-1499 bytes in size    -   EOPO/EOP1—indicates that the modulator has received the last        data byte of the Ethernet frame from the Local Link FIFO    -   EOF—signifies the end of the current Ethernet frame in the Local        Link FIFO

The VLM modulator in some embodiments, uses an 8B/10B encoder 66 toachieve a DC balance (50% effective duty cycle) and provides enoughstate changes to allow the de-modulator 68 to recover the clock 70. Themodulated output signal can drive the optical electronics so that an LEDcan produce light as well as a communications signal. The baud rates maybe used for Ethernet communications. In some embodiments, the 8b/10bencoding scheme is only 80% of the actual baud rate due to overhead, sothe actual measured data rate may be incrementally slower than thephysical setting.

TABLE 2 VlM Baud Rates Baud Rate (Mb/s) Data Rate (Mb/s) 50 40 25 2012.5 10 6.25 5 3.125 2.5 1.5625 1.25

The Modulator block can be set to act as either a client (PC modem) or ahost (LED fixture modem). This selection can be made using the 12Cinterface coupled with a computing device. The speed can also be changedby utilizing the 12C interface (12C Slave) 72.

TABLE 3 VLM Modulator pin descriptions Signal Name Direction Descriptiondata (7:0) input Ethernet data input from FIFO vlm_control_sel0 input12C control byte for changing speed, (7:0) type, etc . . . clk inputmain clock input data_rd_inv input data from local link FIFO valid andready to be read eop_mod_inv input end of frame signal from local linkreset input FIFO block reset sop_mod_inv input start of frame signalfrom local link FIFO data_rdy_inv output modulator ready for data fromlocal link FIFO mod_data output modulated serial data output sig

The Visible Light De-Modulator block 68 accepts an 8B/10B encoded signal66 transmitted from a Modulator. The de-modulator uses the same baudrate settings as the Modulator (see Table 1). The De-Modulator 68 usesan 8B/10B decoder 74 to restructure the received data into the 8 bitformat. The De-Modulator 68 then decodes the data structure sent by theModulator. The decoded data structure as raw Ethernet data is passedinto the Local Link FIFO 64 byte-by-byte so that it can be transmittedby the Ethernet MAC 56.

The De-Modulator 68 will also be configured as a client or hostdepending on the selection made to the modulator. The data rateselection may match the selection made to the Modulator.

TABLE 4 Visible Light de-modulator pin descriptions Signal NameDirection Description vlm_control_sel0 input 12C control byte forchanging speed, (7:0) type, etc . . . clk input main clock inputdata_rdy input local link FIFO ready for data mod_data input modulatedinput data from receiver reset input block reset sys_qsec inputmillisecond pulse sys_sec input second pulse vclk input secondary mainclock byte_rate_l (7:0) output lower byte of reported data rate [7:0]byte_rate_m0 (7:0) output middle1 byte of reported data rate [15:8]byte_rate_m1 (7:0) output middle2 byte of reported data rate [23:16]byte_rate_u (7:0) output upper byte of reported data rate [31:24] data(7.0) output demodulated data out to local link FIFO vlm_status (1:0)output 12C status bits for monitoring functions data_wr output writedata to local link FIFO eop_demod output end of frame to local link FIFOsop_demod output start of frame to local link FIFO st_frame_sync outputstatus output of data flow st_idle_sync output status output of receivesync st_prn_sync output unused

The Ethernet Configuration block 58 is used to configure both the localMAC 56 and the external Asix USB to LAN chip. The Ethernet Configurationblock 58 can read and write to the local MAC as a host. The followingsettings are made to the MAC at initialization of the VLM:

-   -   MAC speed maybe set to 100 Mbps    -   MAC maybe reset due to the speed change    -   The MDC clock frequency maybe set to 2.5 MHZ for the Management        Data Input/Output (MDIO) interface so that the FPGA 54 can        communicate with the Ethernet physical layer of the Asix USB to        LAN chip.    -   Ethernet flow control is turned off

Once the MDC clock is running, the Ethernet Configuration block 58configures the Asix chip by reading and writing to the MDIO. Thefollowing settings are made to the Asix PHY at initialization of the VLMor when set using the 12C PC interface (see 12C Slave) 72:

-   -   The PHY is powered down.    -   The PHY is powered up with either the reverse Mil setting which        uses the USB as an Ethernet bridge or the embedded PHY which        uses the RJ45 jack as an Ethernet bridge.    -   PHY is reset.    -   Auto-negotiation is restarted to initialize the PHY.

TABLE 5 Ethernet Configuration pin descriptions Signal Name DirectionDescription eth_config (7:0) input Ethernet configuration byte from 12Chost_rd_data input read data from the PHY register via MDIO (7:0) clkinput main clock input host_clk input clock from management interfacehost_miim_rdy input MDIO interface complete, ready for next transactionsrst input block reset st_idle_sync input receiver sync indicationsys_msec input millisecond timer sys_sec input second timer host_addr(9:0) output address of register to be accessed host_opcode outputdefines operation to be performed over (1:0) MDIO host_wr_data outputdata to write to PHY register via MDIO (31:0) eth_mrst output EthernetMAC reset eth_prst output Ethernet PHY reset host_miim_sel output Highfor MDIO (PHY config), Low for MAC config host_req output signals atransaction on the MDIO interface

The 12C Slave block 72 is used to communicate with an 12C master. The12C master 76 is located in the Asix USB to LAN chip. This interfaceallows a PC connected to the USB interface to control several functionsand monitor status of the VLM. The 12C slave 72 provides a means to readand write up to 256 8 byte registers. Table 2 shows the current functionregister map. The registers can be accessed using the VLM Managerprogram from a Windows 7/XP system.

TABLE 6 12C Slave Descriptions Address R/W Bits Register NameDescription 0x00 R [7:0] firmware_rev Firmware Starts at 1 and Revisionincrements with each new revision 0x01 R [7:0] prject_model Model NameA-Z, based on phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, etc . . . ) 0x02 R [0]vlm_status Idle Sync Status Led output on when receivers are synced 0x02R [1] vlm_status Frame Sync Led output on when Status data istransferring 0x02 R [2] vlm_status Heartbeat Led output on whenheartbeat is on (1 second interval) 0x02 R [7:3] vlm_status ReservedReserved 0x03 R [7:0] byte_rate_l Byte/s Rage Byte/second data rate[7:0] 0x04 R [7:0] byte_rate_m0 Byte/s Rage Byte/second data rate [15:8]0x05 R [7:0] byte_rate_m1 Byte/s Rage Byte/second data rate [23:16] 0x06R [7:0] byte_rate_u Byte/s Rage Byte/second data rate [31:24] 0x80 R/W[7:0] light_control Light Adjust intensity of Adjustment light from 0(off)- Local FF (full on) 0x81 R/W [3:0] vlm_control_sel0 SpeedSelection Speed selection (Mb/s): 0001-(12), 0010-(6), 0011-(3),0100-(1.5) 0x81 R/W [4] vlm_control_sel0 Encoding 0-Manchester, 1-Selection 8B/10B 0x81 R/W [5] vlm_control_sel0 Remote Modem 0-remoteOutput mod/demod off, 1- remote mod/demod on 0x81 R/W [6]vlm_control_sel0 Host or Client 0-host, 1-client selection 0x81 R/W [7]vlm_control_sel0 Test Pattern 0-normal data, 1- Selection mod sends testpattern 0x82 R/W [0] vlm_control_sel1 Software Rest 0-running, 1-reset(will self-clear) 0x82 R/W [7:1] vlm_control_sel1 Reserved Reserved 0x83R/W [7:0] vlm_control_sel2 Reserved Reserved 0x84 R/W [7:0]vlm_control_sel3 Reserved Reserved 0x85 R/W [0] eth_control_sel RJ45 orRev- Select Ethernet Mll communications channel; 0- 0x85 R/W [7:1]eth_control_sel Reserved Reserved 0x86 R/W [7:0] light_con_remote LightAdjust intensity of Adjustment light from 0 (off)- Remote FF (full on)

The 12C Slave block 72 consists of the physical layer connection, andstrips the data structure into its components which allows the deviceaddress, register address and data to be identified. The next sub blockis the register interface 78. Once the appropriate register has beenidentified at the serial interface 82, the register interface 78 writesor reads the data to or from the function register that is associatedwith a control or status byte.

TABLE 7 12C Slave pin descriptions Signal Name Direction Descriptionmem_to_reg (7:0) input read data byte from SPI memory-written toappropriate register myReg*** (7:0) in/out read/write or read onlyregisers to store control/status data clk input main clock read_strobeinput data read from SPI master rst input block reset sci input 12Cclock write_to_reg input write data from SPI memory to appropriateregister enable spi_addr (7:0) output output appropriate memory addressbased on 12C input address spi_write_data (7:0) output 12C data in towrite out to SPI memory sda output 12C data transfer

The SPI Master block 76 is used to communicate with the flash memory 84located in circuit. This allows the control data written from the 12CSlave 72 to be saved into non-volatile memory. Upon a power cycle thesettings will be read and recovered. The SPI Master block 76 consists oftwo sub blocks. The first is the PicoBiaze Processor 86 which is aXilinx 8-Bit embedded microcontroller. The microcontroller provides theSPI bus and data processing necessary to communicate with the flashmemory 84. The second block is the Program ROM 88. This block consistsof an assembly file converted to VHDL. This ROM block contains the userprogram file for the microcontroller.

TABLE 8 SPI Master pin descriptions Signal Name Direction Descriptionspi_addr (7:0) input input appropriate memory address based on 12Coutput address spi_write_data input SPI memory data in from write out of(7:0) 12C spi_miso input serial data - master in slave out sys_clk inputmain clock mem_to_reg output output data byte to 12C slave (7:0)read_strobe output PicoBlaze controller indicates data ready to readfrom input port reset output reset PicoBlaze controller - unusedspi_cso_b output SPI enable spi_mosi output serial data - SPI master outslave in spi_slk output SPI clock write_strobe output signifiesPicoBlaze write from output port write_to_reg output write data from SPImemory enable

The System Timers block 90 uses the input clock to derive microsecond,millisecond and second timers. These timers are used throughout the FPGA54 design to limit the number of local timers necessary in the design.

TABLE 9 System Timers pin description Signal Name Direction Descriptionclk input main clock rst input block reset sys_tick (63:0) output rawclock tick at main clock frequency sys_debounce output debouncersys_msec output millisecond timer sys_sec output second timer sys_usecoutput microsecond timer

The Heart Beat block 92 is used to generate a one second pulse. Thispulse is output to a visible status LED to validate FPGA 54 operation.

TABLE 10 Heart Beat pin description Signal Name Direction Descriptionclk input main clock srst input block reset sys_msec input millisecondtimer sys_sec input second timer hb output heartbeat signifies systemalive

A Key can be connected to a computing or electronic device (laptop,desktop, etc.) via a USB connection. When a light link is presentbetween a Key and a Fixture, the laptop/desktop or other electronicdevice will get a network connection. The laptop/desktop or otherelectronic device views this connection as a direct Ethernet connection.In some embodiments, first time a Key is connected to a device, thatdevice should already have an internet connection established, so thatthe device can download and install the necessary ASIX driver for thenewly discovered hardware-Key. In some embodiments, the driver code maybe embedded in the key, in order to eliminate this one-time setup step.

In alternative embodiments, a dongle or key device is depicted in FIGS.6 through 9. In the alternative embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7the dongle or key device may include a cable receiver for interface withan electronic device to provide LED pulsed light communication andinformation/data transmission. In the alternative embodiments depictedin FIGS. 8 and 9 the dongle or key device may include a USB plug forinterface with an electronic device to provide LED pulsed lightcommunication and information/data transmissions.

In some embodiments as depicted in FIG. 8, the dongle or key device 1000may include an outer casing 12, a photo detector 14, a receiver circuitboard 16, a transmitter circuit board 18, and an LED assembly 22.

In at least one alternative embodiment, a dongle or key device 1000 isinterfaced with a laptop computer as depicted in FIG. 10.

In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 28 through 32 a dongleor key device 1000 will include the components of a visible lighttransceiver generally referred to by reference numeral 94. (FIG. 32)

In some embodiments the transceiver 94 includes aphotodetector/photodiode 96 and a processor/controller 98 which may beformed of one or more layered circuit boards. In some embodiments thephotodetector/photodiode 96 and the processor/controller 98 are inelectrical communication with a source of electricity and are incommunication with a main circuit board processor/controller 100. (FIGS.32, 31)

In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 31 the main circuit boardprocessor/controller 100 includes and is in communication with a USBport 102. The main circuit board processor/controller 100 also includesan LED 104. The LED 104 is in communication with the main circuit board100 which functions as a transmitter to regulate and control theembedded flashing of the LED 104 to generate an optical embeddedcommunication signal or information/data transmission. In at least oneembodiment, the processor/controller 98 of the receiver 94 is engagedto, is in electrical contact, and is in communication with main board100.

In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 30, the main board 100having the LED 104 is connected to the receiver processor/controller 98.Both the receiver 94 and the transmitter main board 100 are disposed ina lower casing 106.

In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 29, a lens assembly 108is engaged to the transmitter main board 100 over the LED 104. In someembodiments the lens assembly 108 is formed of a conical member 110which in some embodiments may have a polished interior surface toreflect light into a focused path or direction. In some embodiments, theinterior of the lens assembly 108 may be parabolic in shape to reflectlight transmitted from the LED 104 along a desired path or direction.

In some embodiments, the lens assembly 108 includes an upper lens 112which is engaged to the upper portion of the conical member 110. In someembodiments, the upper lens 112 includes a central opening 114 whichallows passage of light as transmitted/emitted from the LED 104therethrough. In some embodiments, the upper lens 112 may have filteringand/or focusing properties during the transmission of light from the LED104.

In some embodiments as depicted in FIG. 28, the key or dongle 1000includes an upper casing 116 which is releasably attached or engaged tothe lower casing 106. In some embodiments, the upper portion of thephoto detector/photo diode 96 extends upwardly above the upper casing116. In some embodiments, the upper casing 116 is engaged to the upperportion of the conical member 110 or the lens assembly 108.

In some embodiments, a ball lens or semi-spherical lens may be disposedabove LED 104 within the lens assembly 108 or conical member 110. Inother embodiments, another type of lens is disposed above LED 104.

Incorporated by reference in this application include U.S. Pat. Nos.6,879,263, 7,046,160, 7,439,847, 7,902,978, 8,188,861, 8,188,878,8,188,879, 8,330,599, 8,331,790, 8,542,096, 8,543,505, 8,571,411,8,593,299, U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10/646,853, 11/433,979,12/032,908, 12/126,227, 12/126,342, 12/126,469, 12/126,647, 12/750,796,13/427,358, 13/479,556, 13/706,864, 13/972,294, 14/033,014, 14/050,759,14/050,765, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/248,894,60/405,379, 60/405,592, 61/778,672, 61/783,501, 61/819,861, 61/867,731,61/927,638, 61/927,663.

This application is also related to the patent application entitled“Method of Measuring and Provision of Lumens,” U.S. application Ser. No.14/207,934, filed Mar. 13, 2014, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. The present application is also related to thepatent application entitled “LED Light Fixture,” U.S. application Ser.No. 14/207,955, filed Mar. 13, 2014, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. Also the present application is related to thepatent application entitled “LED Light Control and Management System,”U.S. application Ser. No. 14/208,125, filed Mar. 13, 2014, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; and it is,therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made tothe appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims canbe combined with each other in other manners within the scope of theinvention such that the invention should be recognized as alsospecifically directed to other embodiments having any other possiblecombination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, forpurposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows shouldbe taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from allprior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependentclaim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within thejurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should bealternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). Injurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, thefollowing dependent claims should each be also taken as alternativelywritten in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependencyfrom a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claimlisted in such dependent claim below.

In addition to being directed to the embodiments described above andclaimed below, the present invention is further directed to embodimentshaving different combinations of the features described above andclaimed below. As such, the invention is also directed to otherembodiments having any other possible combination of the dependentfeatures claimed below.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternateembodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein whichequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individualfigures and described above may be combined or modified for combinationas desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising”means “including, but not limited to”.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light emitting diode (LED) light communicationdevice comprising: a portable housing comprising at least one opticaltransceiver comprising at least one LED and at least one photodetector,said housing further comprising a universal serial bus interface incommunication with said at least one optical transceiver, said universalserial bus interface being constructed and arranged for engagement to,and communication with a universal serial bus receiving port of anelectronic device, said optical transceiver being further constructedand arranged for transmission of at least one transmitted light signaland receipt of at least one received light signal, said at least onetransmitted light signal and said at least one received light signaleach comprising a plurality of rapid flashes of light, said rapidflashes of light having a frequency which is not observable to anindividual, wherein said rapid flashes of light are configured fortransmission of information or data, said at least one received lightsignal being embedded within illumination, said at least one transmittedlight signal comprising at least one device identifier and said at leastone received light signal comprising at least one location identifier,said at least one location identifier comprising at least one originlocation identifier, said optical transceiver further comprising atleast one of a main circuit board, a receiver circuit board, and atleast one lens disposed over said at least one light emitting diodewherein said communication device has a first state wherein saiduniversal serial bus interface is unengaged to said universal serial busreceiving port and a second state wherein said universal serial businterface is engaged to said universal serial bus receiving port,further wherein said at least one optical transceiver and said universalserial bus interface are constructed and arranged to establish anoptical link for said at least one transmitted light signal and said atleast one received light signal for said electronic device.
 2. The LEDlight communication device of claim 1, said optical transceiver furthercomprising a converter.
 3. The LED light communication device of claim2, said optical transceiver further comprising buffering circuitry. 4.The LED light communication device of claim 3, said optical transceiverfurther comprising isolation circuitry.
 5. The LED light communicationdevice of claim 4, said optical transceiver further comprisingmodulation circuitry.
 6. The LED light communication device of claim 4,said optical transceiver further comprising amplification circuitry. 7.The LED light communication device of claim 1, said at least one opticaltransceiver further comprising a lens assembly comprising at least onereflective member and at least one lens disposed adjacent to said atleast one reflective member.
 8. The LED light communication device ofclaim 1, said at least one optical transceiver further comprising a lensassembly comprising an upper lens, said upper lens comprising anopening.
 9. The LED light communication device of claim 1, saidinformation or data comprising global positioning system information.10. The LED light communication device of claim 9, said information ordata comprising at least one intermediate optical transceiver locationidentifier.
 11. A light emitting diode (LED) light communication devicecomprising: a housing comprising at least one optical transceivercomprising at least one LED and at least one photodetector, said housingfurther comprising a universal serial bus interface in communicationwith said at least one optical transceiver, said universal serial businterface being constructed and arranged for engagement to, andcommunication with a universal serial bus receiving port of anelectronic device, said optical transceiver being further constructedand arranged for transmission of at least one transmitted light signaland receipt of at least one received light signal, said at least onetransmitted light signal and said at least one received light signaleach comprising a plurality of rapid flashes of light said rapid flashesof light having a wavelength in the observable spectrum, said rapidflashes of light having a frequency which is not observable to anindividual, wherein said rapid flashes of light are configured fortransmission of information or data, said at least one received lightsignal being embedded within illumination, said at least one transmittedlight signal comprising at least one device identifier and said at leastone received light signal comprising at least one location identifier,said at least one location identifier comprising at least one originlocation identifier, said optical transceiver further comprising atleast one lens disposed over said at least one light emitting diodewherein said communication device has a first state wherein saiduniversal serial bus interface is unengaged to said universal serial busreceiving port and a second state wherein said universal serial businterface is engaged to said universal serial bus receiving port,further wherein said at least one optical transceiver and said universalserial bus interface are constructed and arranged to establish anoptical link for said at least one transmitted light signal and said atleast one received light signal for said electronic device.
 12. The LEDlight communication device of claim 11, said information or datacomprising global positioning system information.
 13. The LED lightcommunication device of claim 12, said information or data comprising atleast one intermediate optical transceiver location identifier.
 14. TheLED light communication device of claim 11, said at least one opticaltransceiver further comprising a lens assembly comprising at least onereflective member wherein said at least one lens is disposed adjacent tosaid at least one reflective member.
 15. The LED light communicationdevice of claim 11, said at least one optical transceiver furthercomprising a lens assembly comprising an upper lens, said upper lenscomprising an opening.